Modular nut plate assemblies and methods of using the same

ABSTRACT

A nut plate assembly includes a nut retainer and a bushing for expanding a tubular body of the retainer. The retainer assembly is used to cold work an opening of a workpiece in order to fix the nut retainer assembly relative to the workpiece. A nut can be snapped into the retainer. A method of installation includes passing a mandrel through the bushing to radially expand the bushing into a tubular body of the retainer. The tubular body is compressed between the workpiece and bushing as the bushing is displaced radially causing corresponding radial displacement of the tubular body. The expanded bushing applies pressure to the tubular body for a desired fit between the nut retainer and workpiece.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/287,149, filed on Dec. 16, 2009and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/334,105, filed on May 12,2010. Each of these two provisional applications is incorporated hereinby reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

This disclosure generally relates to modular nut plate assemblies andmethods of using the same.

2. Description of the Related Art

Rivetless nut plates are often installed into structural workpieces inorder to couple components to the workpieces. Conventional nut platesmay include a bracket and a nut coupleable to the bracket. The nut canreceive an externally threaded component (e.g., a bolt or a screw) afterthe bracket has been secured to the workpiece. When the installed nutplate supports an attached component, a flat face of the bracket canbear against the workpiece to help distribute loads to the workpiece,thereby preventing excessive stresses in the workpiece.

One type of conventional bracket has an expandable one-piece sleeve thata user can insert into an opening of the workpiece. The sleeve is thendisplaced radially against a tubular surface of the workpiece thatdefines the workpiece opening. Unfortunately, the one-piece sleeve has afixed longitudinal length rendering the bracket unsuitable forinstallation in workpiece openings having longitudinal lengths that aresignificantly different from the length of the sleeve. A large varietyof brackets having sleeves of different dimensions must therefore bekept in stock to install nut plates in different sized openings.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Some embodiments disclosed herein include a rivetless nut plate assemblyfor connecting two or more components. The installed nut plate assemblyresists a wide range of static loads, dynamic loads, and combinationsthereof. The nut plate assembly includes a retainer assembly with atubular section, which includes an expandable member and an outertubular body that surrounds the expandable member. The expandable memberand outer tubular body cooperate to achieve a desired fit with thecomponents. In certain embodiments, the tubular section is closed-ended.In other embodiments, the tubular section has an open end.

In some embodiments, the nut plate assembly includes an expandablemember and a nut retainer. The expandable member and a tubular body ofthe nut retainer cooperate to fixedly couple the nut retainer to thecomponents. The nut retainer retains a threaded nut for receiving anexternally threaded portion of another component. Loads can be appliedto the nut retainer via the nut while the nut retainer minimizes,limits, or substantially eliminates unwanted damage to the components.In some embodiments, the expandable member extends through the tubularbody and is used to radially-expand the tubular body to provide adesired grip length.

The tubular body of the nut retainer and the expandable member can beradially expanded together. For example, the expandable member in theform of a bushing can be radially expanded by a mandrel so as toradially expand the tubular body and the workpiece. Theradially-expanded expandable member, in some embodiments, achieves highlevels of expansion of the tubular body, which in turn causes sufficientexpansion of the workpiece to improve fatigue performance of theworkpiece.

An assembly installable in a hole in a workpiece, in some embodiments,includes a cage configured and dimensioned to receive and retain nutshaving different configurations (e.g., different shapes, differentsizes, etc.) one at a time. In certain embodiments, the cage includes afirst flexible retention element and a second flexible retentionelement. The first and second flexible retention elements are spacedapart to receive a nut therebetween. An abutment portion is configuredto lay against the workpiece and defines a throughhole. A retainerincludes a mounting plate receivable by the cage. An expandable memberis connected to the mounting plate. The expandable member is configuredto pass through the throughhole to move the mounting plate into the cageand to position the expandable member in the hole of the workpiece. Theexpandable member is expanded to form an interference fit with theworkpiece while the abutment portion is between the mounting plate andthe workpiece.

The cage may be a non-metallic cage. The cage may be made mostly ofplastic by weight. The cage, in some embodiments, is a unitary moldednon-metallic part. In other embodiments, the cage is a stamped metalpart. The first flexible retention element, the second flexibleretention element, and the abutment portion are connected together suchthat the first and second flexible retention elements deflect away fromone another to receive the nut while the expandable member is axiallyand rotationally fixed to the workpiece. The abutment portion isgeometrically congruent to a face of the mounting plate of the retainer,and the abutment portion may contact the workpiece when the expandablemember extends through the throughhole and extends through the hole ofthe workpiece. The retainer may be configured to nest between the firstflexible retention element and the second flexible retention elementwhen a nut is held by the cage. The expandable member may have a firstend coupled to the mounting plate, a second end opposing the first end,and a passageway extending between the first and second ends. Thepassageway is enlarged proximate to the second end.

A cage may be summarized as including a non-metallic nut retainingsection and a non-metallic abutment portion connected to the nutretaining section. The abutment portion includes a throughhole. Aretainer includes a mounting section and a tubular section. The tubularsection extends away from the mounting section. The mounting sectionholds the cage against a workpiece when the mounting section is receivedby the cage and the tubular section extends away from the cage andthrough both the throughhole of the abutment portion and an opening inthe workpiece. The cage may be made, in whole or in part, of apolyamide-imide material. The cage, in some embodiments, may include afirst material with an ultimate strength less than about 20 percent ofan ultimate strength of a material of the tubular member.

An installation includes a workpiece and a retainer assembly. Theworkpiece comprises a first side, a second side, and an openingextending between the first and second sides. The retainer assemblyincludes a cage that has a first flexible retention element, a secondflexible retention element, and an abutment portion. The first flexibleretention element includes a first opening. The second flexibleretention element includes a second opening. The first flexibleretention element and the second flexible retention element are spacedapart to receive a nut. The abutment portion is between the first andsecond flexible retention elements and includes a throughhole. Aretainer includes a mounting plate and a bushing. The mounting plate isreceived by the cage. The bushing is connected to the mounting plate andextends through the opening of the workpiece. The bushing has beenexpanded to couple the mounting plate to the workpiece.

The cage and the retainer may be made of different materials. The cage,in some embodiments, may be made of a material with an ultimate strengththat is substantially less than an ultimate strength of material of theretainer. The retainer may comprise a material with an ultimate strengththat is greater than both an ultimate strength of material of the cageand an ultimate strength of material of the workpiece.

The bushing may extend along an entire longitudinal length of theopening in the workpiece. The portion of the bushing that forms aninterference fit with the workpiece may have an axial length of at leastabout 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2 mm, or 2.5 mm. Other axial lengths are alsopossible, if needed or desired.

A method of installing a first nut plate assembly and a second nut plateassembly in a workpiece may be summarized as including expanding a firsttubular body of the first nut plate assembly in a first hole of theworkpiece to fix the first tubular body to the workpiece. The first nutplate assembly includes a first cage. A first nut is inserted into thefirst cage by moving flexible retention elements of the first cage awayfrom one another. A second tubular body of the second nut plate assemblyis expanded in a second hole of the workpiece to fix the second tubularbody to the workpiece. The second nut plate assembly includes a secondcage that is geometrically congruent to the first cage. A second nut isinserted into the second cage by moving flexible retention elements ofthe second cage away from one another. The second nut can begeometrically different from the first nut.

A method of installation may be summarized as including positioning afirst nut plate assembly in a first opening of a workpiece. The firstnut plate assembly includes a first nut and a first cage. The first nutis inserted into a first receiving space between a first pair ofoutwardly extending retention elements of the first cage to snap fit thefirst nut to the first cage. A second nut plate assembly is positionedin a second opening of the workpiece. The second nut plate includes asecond nut and a second cage. The second cage has a second receivingspace that is substantially identical to the first receiving space. Thesecond nut is inserted into the second receiving space to snap fit thesecond nut to the second cage.

The first cage may be geometrically congruent to the second cage. Forexample, both the first cage and second cage may have approximately thesame dimensions and shape. The first and second cages may include mostlya non-metallic material by weight. Inserting the second nut into thesecond receiving space may include spreading a pair of outwardlyextending retention elements of the second cage away from each other adistance that is greater than a distance that a first pair of outwardlyextending retention elements of the first cage are spread apart as thefirst nut is inserted into the first cage.

At least some embodiments of the modular nut plate assemblies havecommon parts to reduce part counts. The nut plate assemblies can beinstalled without problems often associated with selecting appropriatecomponents to install with each nut plate. A single cage design may beused to install different types of nuts. Advantageously, the nuts can bereplaced without removing the nut plate. The modular nut plateassemblies can be packaged in kits. The kits can include an array ofdifferent nuts that provide different amounts of clearance, floating, orthe like. The kits can also include protective caps, sealing material,and other components for the final installation.

An assembly may be summarized as including a retainer made of metal, acage made of plastic, and a nut made of metal. The nut can be passivatedand one or more dry film lubricants can be on the nut. If a workpiece ismade of non-metallic materials (for example, CFRP), the retainer can bemade of stainless steel. In certain embodiments, the cage is made of ametallic material, such as stainless steel, for high temperatureapplications. Metallic cages have enhanced dimensional stability ascompared to plastic cages, especially in high temperature applications.If the workpiece is made of aluminum, the retainer can also be made ofaluminum or other compatible material.

A nut cage assembly may be summarized as including components that canbe replaced with other components with substantially different designswithout appreciably altering the amount of float. In certainembodiments, an installed nut is replaced with another nut withdifferent dimensions or configurations without appreciably changing theamount of float and/or clearance.

A common cage design, in some embodiments, is suitable for accepting awide variety of elements, such as sealed nuts, open nuts, or quickrelease elements without any appreciable minimum grip length adjustment.In certain embodiments, a first nut includes tapered elongated membersthat mechanically couple to a cage. The first nut is replaced with asecond nut that has generally rectangular elongated members. The secondnut cooperates with the cage to provide approximately the same amount offloat as the first nut. In other embodiments, the second nut cooperateswith the cage to provide a different amount of float than the first nut.A wide range of different types of nuts may be installed in the cageduring the service life of the workpiece without uninstalling the cage.

An assembly for retaining a nut may be summarized as including a nutretainer and a bushing. The nut retainer includes a nut retainingsection and an expandable tubular body connected to the nut retainingsection. The nut retaining section includes an abutment portionconfigured to contact a workpiece when the expandable tubular body ispositioned in an opening of the workpiece. The expandable tubular bodyincludes a body inner surface that surrounds a tubular body passagewayand that defines a tubular body inner perimeter. The bushing includes abushing outer surface defining a first outer perimeter and a bushinginner surface at least partially surrounding a bushing passageway. Thefirst outer perimeter of the bushing is substantially equal to orsmaller than the body inner perimeter. The bushing passageway is adaptedto receive a mandrel capable of radially expanding the bushing and thetubular body when the tubular body circumferentially surrounds thebushing so as to produce an interference fit between the tubular bodyand the workpiece and an interference fit between the bushing outersurface and the body inner surface.

An installation may be summarized as including a workpiece and aretainer. The workpiece includes a first side, a second side, and anopening extending between the first and second sides. The opening has alongitudinal length. The retainer assembly includes a tubular sectionthat has been expanded to provide radial expansion along at least mostof the longitudinal length of the workpiece opening. In someembodiments, at least 50% of the longitudinal length of the workpieceopening is expanded. In some embodiments, at least 75% of thelongitudinal length of the workpiece opening is expanded tosignificantly increase fatigue performance of the workpiece. In someembodiments, at least 90% of the longitudinal length of the workpieceopening is expanded to significantly increase fatigue performance ofmaterial of the workpiece proximate to the first and second sides.

The retainer assembly, in some embodiments, includes a nut and aretainer including a nut retaining section and an expanded tubular body.The nut retaining section is adapted to receive and retain the nut andto physically contact the first side of the workpiece. The expandedtubular body extends through at least a portion of the opening and has apassageway. The retainer assembly further includes an expanded bushingthat extends through the passageway of the tubular body and has abushing passageway. The tubular section of the retainer assemblyincludes the tubular body of the retainer and the bushing.

A method of installation may be summarized as including positioning atubular body of a nut retainer in an opening of a workpiece such that anut retaining section of the retainer is on a first side of theworkpiece and the tubular body extends away from the nut retainingsection towards a second side of the workpiece opposing the first side.The nut retaining section is adapted to receive and hold a nut. Abushing is positioned in a passageway of the tubular body of the nutretainer. The bushing is expanded using a mandrel to cause radialexpansion of both the tubular body and a surface of the workpiece thatdefines the opening.

A method of installation may be summarized as including positioning anut retainer in an opening of the workpiece. A portion of the retaineris on one side of the workpiece and another portion of the retainer ison the other side of the workpiece and/or within the opening. At least aportion of the nut retainer can receive and hold a nut. A bushing ispositioned in a passageway of the nut retainer. The bushing can beexpanded using the mandrel so as to cause radial expansion of both thetubular body and a surface of the workpiece that defines the opening.

A kit may be summarized as including a nut plate assembly including acage, a retainer, and a plurality of nuts that have substantiallydifferent configurations. Each of the nuts is coupleable to the nutplate. The retainer includes an expandable tubular section positionablein an opening of a workpiece. In certain embodiments, the kit includes afirst nut with a pair of substantially rectangular elongated membersconfigured to pass through a pair of openings in the cage. The kit alsoincludes a second nut with a pair of substantially tapered elongatedmembers configured to pass through the pair of openings in the cage. Thecomponents of the kit can be packaged together in sealed packaging.

The cage, in some embodiments, comprises mostly a metallic material. Incertain embodiments, the cage comprises at least 85%, 90%, or 95% byweight of a metallic material such as aluminum, steel, titanium, orother suitable metal that can be formed via, for example, a machiningprocess and/or molding process. Metal cages are especially well suitedfor high temperature applications to provide dimensional stability. Incertain embodiments, the cage comprises at least 85%, 90%, or 95% byweight of a plastic. Such cages are well suited for installation inworkpieces made of non-metal materials.

In some embodiments, the cage of the kit and a first one of the nutsprovides a first amount of float for one of the nuts when the first oneof the nuts is installed. The cage and a second one of the nuts providea second amount of float of the second nut when the second nut isinstalled. The first amount of float is substantially equal to thesecond amount of float. In other embodiments, the first amount of floatis different from the second amount of float. In certain embodiments,the first amount of float is about 0.03 inch and the second amount offloat is about 0.06 inch. In other embodiments, one or both of the firstand second amount of floats can be about 0.12 inch.

A cage of a nut plate assembly and a first nut cooperate to provide afirst amount of bolt clearance when the first nut is installed in thecage. The cage and a second nut are configured to cooperate to provide asecond amount of bolt clearance when the second nut is installed. Thefirst amount of bolt clearance can be different from or substantiallyequal to the second amount of bolt clearance. In certain embodiments, aratio of the first amount of bolt clearance to the second amount of boltclearance is greater than or equal to about 1, 2, or 3. The nuts caninclude an open nut, a closed nut, or a quick release nut. The first andsecond nuts can be interchanged any number of times to provide differentbolt clearances or float distances.

A method of installing a first nut plate assembly and a second nut plateassembly may be summarized as including coupling a first bolt to a firstnut of the first nut plate assembly to provide a first bolt clearance. Asecond bolt is coupled to a second nut of the second nut plate assemblyto provide a second bolt clearance. The second bolt clearance isdifferent from or substantially equal to the first bolt clearance. Incertain embodiments, a ratio of the first bolt clearance to the secondbolt clearance is equal to or greater than about 1.5, 2, or 3. Incertain embodiments, one or both of the first and second bolt clearancescan be substantially equal to about 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, or rangesencompassing such bolt clearances. The amount of nut float, boltclearance, or the like can be selected based on the size of an openingof a workpiece, the dimensions of a bolt, or other dimensions of theinstallation.

An installation may be summarized as including a workpiece and a nutplate assembly. The workpiece has an opening. The nut plate assembly isinstalled in the opening. A nut of the nut plate assembly includes anon-metal cap having a closed end and an open end. A sealing assembly ofthe nut is positioned in the open end of the cap. A nut element isbetween the closed end of the cap and the sealing assembly. In certainembodiments, both the cap and a retainer assembly of the nut plateassembly comprise the same polymer material. The retainer assembly, insome embodiments, includes a cage. In other embodiments, the cap is adome cap made of a non-metal and the retainer assembly is made of adifferent type of non-metal material.

The nut plate assembly, in some embodiments, includes a plastic retainerassembly that receives the nut. The retainer assembly and the nut cancooperate to provide a desired type of seal, such as a fluid tight seal.

A nut plate assembly may be summarized as including a retainer assemblyand a nut that cooperate to seal an opening in a workpiece in which thenut plate assembly is installed. In some embodiments, the nut plateassembly can provide a fluid tight seal to prevent a pressurized a fluid(e.g., air, gas, etc.) from escaping past the nut plate assembly. Aprotective cap can form a seal with the workpiece.

The nut plate assembly, in some embodiments, can be in the form of anon-arcing nut plate assembly to inhibit, limit, or substantiallyprevent arcing even when relatively high electrical loads are applied,such as due to a lightning strike. Different components of the nut plateassembly can be made of electrically insulating materials that cooperateto inhibit or prevent arcing. In certain embodiments, most orsubstantially all of the external surfaces of the nut plate assembly areformed of non-metal materials. In certain embodiments, the nut includesa non-metal dome cap that surrounds internal components of the nut plateassembly. At least a portion of the retainer assembly can also be formedof a non-metal material. For example, a cage of the retainer assemblycan be formed of a plastic material. The dome cap and the retainerassembly can cooperate to surround and encapsulate the internalcomponents.

A nut plate assembly may be summarized as including a cap, a retainerassembly, or other components with dielectric properties that provideresistance to arcing, for example, when subjected to high electricalcurrent loads. High electrical current loads can be associated withlightning strikes or electrical malfunctions. The nut plate assembly canreduce or eliminate damage associated with such high electrical currentloads. In certain embodiments, the cap is made of a polymer, such asTORLON®. The problem of lightning strikes is particularly significant ifthe nut plate is installed near to or in a wall of a fuel tank becausearcing, sparks, or burning material could cause an explosion. The nutplate assembly can thus be installed near to or in fuel tanks.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, identical reference numbers identify similar elementsor acts. The sizes and relative positions of elements in the drawingsare not necessarily drawn to scale.

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a nut plate assembly installed in aworkpiece, according to one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the nut plate assembly and workpieceof FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a nut retainer of a nut plate assembly,according to one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the nut retainer of FIG. 3,according to one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the nut retainer of FIG. 3, according toone illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the nut retainer of FIG. 3, according to oneillustrated embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a nut of a nut plate assembly, accordingto one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the nut of FIG. 7, according to oneillustrated embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the nut of FIG. 7, according to oneillustrated embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an expandable member of a nut plateassembly, according to one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the expandable member of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of the expandable member of FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the expandable member of FIG. 11taken along a line 13-13.

FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of an installation system having aninstallation tool and an assembled nut plate assembly ready forinstallation, according to one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view of the installation system ofFIG. 14, wherein the nut plate assembly is positioned on a mandrel.

FIG. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of aninstallation system, wherein a mandrel is ready to expand a nut plateassembly, according to one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a partial cross-sectional view of the installation system ofFIG. 16, wherein the mandrel is expanding a multi-piece tubular sectionof a retainer assembly, according to one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the post-expanded multi-piecetubular section of FIG. 17 spaced apart from the mandrel, according toone illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a side elevational view of a nut plate assembly that has amulti-piece tubular section for expanding an opening of a workpiece,according to one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the nut plate assembly of FIG. 19in a workpiece, according to one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 21 is an isometric view of an expandable member, according to oneillustrated embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a side elevational view of the expandable member of FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is a top plan view of the expandable member of FIG. 21.

FIG. 24 is a side elevational view of a mandrel assembly for installinga nut plate assembly, according to one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the mandrel assembly of FIG. 24taken along a line 25-25.

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the mandrel assembly of FIG. 24operating to install a nut plate assembly in an opening of a structuralworkpiece.

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the mandrel assembly of FIG. 26showing an expandable member about to be moved into the radiallyexpanded tubular body of a nut retainer.

FIGS. 28A-28E are detailed views of regions of various mandrels carryingexpandable members.

FIG. 29 is an isometric view of a nut plate assembly, according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 30 is a top plan view of the nut plate assembly of FIG. 29.

FIG. 31 is an exploded isometric view of the nut plate assembly of FIG.29, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 32 is a top plan view of a nut, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of a workpiece and a retainer assemblyin the workpiece.

FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view of a mandrel assembly and a retainerassembly. The mandrel assembly is ready to expand a retainer of theretainer assembly.

FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view of a nut plate assembly after aretainer has been expanded.

FIG. 36 is a top plan view of nut plate assemblies installed in aworkpiece.

FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view of a retainer assembly with aclosed-ended retainer ready to be installed in a workpiece, according toone embodiment.

FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view of the retainer assembly of FIG. 37after the retainer has been fixedly coupled to the workpiece.

FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view of a retainer assembly ready to beinstalled, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 40 is a bottom exploded isometric view of a nut, according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 41 is a top exploded isometric view of the nut of FIG. 40.

FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view of a nut plate assembly, according toone embodiment.

FIG. 43 is an isometric view of a nut plate assembly with a cap sealedto a workpiece, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 44 is a partial cross-sectional view of a nut plate assembly takenalong a line 44-44 of FIG. 43.

FIG. 45 is an expanded isometric view of a cage and a cap.

FIG. 46 is an elevational cross-sectional view of the cap of FIG. 45.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

In the following description, certain specific details are set forth inorder to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of theinvention. However, one skilled in the art will understand that theinvention may be practiced without these details. The assemblies andprocesses disclosed herein can be used to couple together a desirednumber of components. The components can include, without limitation,workpieces, connectors, mounting components, and the like. The terms“proximal” and “distal” are used to describe the illustrated embodimentsand are used consistently with the description of non-limiting exemplaryapplications. The terms proximal and distal are used in reference to theuser's body when the user operates an installation system, unless thecontext clearly indicates otherwise.

Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification andclaims which follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, suchas, “comprises” and “comprising” are to be construed in an open,inclusive sense, that is as “including, but not limited to.”

As used in this specification and the claims, the singular forms “a,”“an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearlydictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a nut plate assemblythat includes “a bushing” includes a nut plate assembly with a singlebushing or a nut plate assembly with two or more bushings, or both. Itshould also be noted that the term “or” is generally employed in itssense including “and/or” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a rivetless nut plate assembly 100 installed withinan opening 106 of a workpiece 110. The nut plate assembly 100 includes anut 120 and a retainer assembly 121 fixedly coupled to the workpiece110. The retainer assembly 121 includes a nut retainer 122 adapted toreleasably hold the nut 120 and an expandable member 126, illustrated asa bushing.

The illustrated nut plate assembly 100 has a multi-piece tubular section130 that includes the bushing 126 and a tubular body 136 of the nutretainer 122 circumferentially surrounding the bushing 126. The tubularsection 130 has been expanded to fixedly couple the nut plate assembly100 to the workpiece 110. A mounting component (e.g., a screw, bolt,threaded member, and the like) can be threadably coupled to the nut 120such that the mounting component is coupled to the workpiece 100 by thenut plate assembly 100.

The nut plate assembly 100 can be installed in various types ofworkpieces. As used herein, the term “workpiece” is broadly construed toinclude, without limitation, a parent structure, such as a thin sheet ofmetal, a structural component, etc., having at least one openingsuitable for receiving at least a portion of the nut plate assembly 100,and/or an assembly, such as an aircraft. The opening can be athrough-hole or other type of hole. The illustrated opening 106 of FIG.2 extends between a first side 138 and a second side 139 of theworkpiece 110. In some embodiments, the workpiece 110 is a structuralworkpiece, such as a bulkhead, a fuselage, a tank (e.g., a fuel tank),an engine, or other component (e.g., structural component, pressurizedcomponent, or the like) of an aircraft. The workpiece 110 may or may nothave backside access. If the workpiece 110 is a multi-componentstructure, the nut plate assembly 100 can hold the components of thestructure together with a desired clamp-up force. Multi-componentstructures include, without limitation, a stack of plates, multi-layerlaminates, and the like. The illustrated structural workpiece 110 ofFIGS. 1 and 2 can comprise, without limitation, one or more metals(e.g., steel, aluminum, titanium, and the like), polymers, plastics,composites, or other materials suitable for engaging one or more of thecomponents of the nut plate assembly 100.

FIGS. 3-6 show the nut retainer 122 that includes a nut retainingsection 140 and the tubular body 136. The nut retaining section 140 hasa generally U-shaped profile, as illustrated in FIG. 4, and includes anabutment portion 144 configured to contact the workpiece 110 when thetubular body 136 is within the workpiece opening 106, as illustrated inFIG. 2. The abutment portion 144 can be in the form of a plate thatincludes a first face 166 and a second face 168 opposing the first face166. The illustrated first face 166 is generally planar to provide arelatively large surface area for physically contacting the workpiece110. The first face 166 can lay generally flat along the workpiece 110.

The illustrated retaining section 140 includes a pair of flexibleretention elements 150, 152 extending away from the abutment portion 144and partially surrounding a longitudinal axis 158 of the tubular body136. The retention elements 150, 152 include apertures 160, 162,respectively. The nut 120 can spread the retention elements 150, 152outwardly, as indicated by the arrows 154, 156 of FIG. 4, such thatelongated members 170, 172 of the nut 120 move into the apertures 160,162, respectively. FIG. 2 shows the elongated members 170, 172positioned within the apertures 160, 162, respectively.

Referring again to FIGS. 3-6, the tubular body 136 includes a tubularbody passageway 180, an inner surface 182 surrounding the passageway180, and an outer surface 184 opposing the inner surface 182. The innersurface 182 defines an inner perimeter 188, and the outer surface 184defines an outer perimeter 190. The outer perimeter 190 can be sized toclosely fit within the opening 106 of the workpiece 110 before thetubular body 136 is radially expanded. For example, a clearance fit witha minimal amount of clearance, a slight clearance fit, or the like canbe formed by the outer surface 184 and the workpiece 110.

The tubular body 136 can have various cross-sectional profiles,including, without limitation, a circular profile, a polygonal profile,an elliptical profile, or the like. The tubular body 136 shown in FIG. 6has an approximately circular profile that is substantiallygeometrically congruent to the profile of the opening 106.

Various types of manufacturing processes can be used to make the nutretainer 122. For example, stamping processes, machining processes,bending processes, molding processes, and the like can be employed. Insome embodiments, a flat sheet of metal is cut (e.g., die cut) into adesired configuration. The cut piece of metal is then stamped to formthe illustrated nut retaining section 140, illustrated as a cage. Thenut retaining section 140 is then coupled to the tubular body 136.Molding processes include, without limitation, injection molding,compression molding, or the like. Injection molding can include, but isnot limited to, metal injection molding, reaction injection molding,injection-compression molding, or other processes for shaping moldablematerials. For example, the nut retaining section 140 can be anon-metallic part comprising one or more thermoplastics, thermosets,composites, or combinations thereof. A thermoset or thermosettingmaterial is generally a plastic that becomes permanently hardened whenset. In some embodiments, the nut plate assembly 100 is made, at leastin part, of a polyamide-imide material. TORLON® is one type ofpolyamide-imide material that has suitable mechanical properties for along service life, even if the TORLON® components experience significantloads. In some embodiments, the nut retaining section 140 is made, inwhole or in part, of TORLON®, or other type of polyamide-imide.

The tubular body 136 can be made of a material, or combination ofmaterials, that permits radial expansion. The tubular body 136 canexperience plastic deformation to form a permanent interference fit withthe workpiece 110 and elastic deformation to contract onto and form apermanent interference fit with the bushing 126. The expanded tubularbody 136, in some embodiments, radially contracts (e.g., elasticallycontracts) onto the bushing 126. In some embodiments, the tubular body136 experiences only permanent deformation. Such embodiments are wellsuited for the simultaneous expansion of the bushing 126 and the tubularbody 136, as discussed in connection with FIGS. 14-18.

FIGS. 7-9 show the nut 120 having an inner perimeter 191 and an outerperimeter 193. In some embodiments, the inner perimeter 191 is at leastpartially threaded for threadably coupling to another component. Inother embodiments, the inner perimeter 191 is configured to receive anon-threaded component. The nut 120 may include one or more fixationelements, such as fasteners, set screws, and the like, to fixedly retainanother component. The nut 120 can also include an outer shoulder 199that can engage a cap or the like. For example, the outer perimeter 193can be sized such that a cap can be inserted over the nut 120. FIG. 2shows an inner shoulder 198 of the nut 120 that can act as an axialrestraint for the mandrel used to install the nut plate assembly 100.

In some embodiments, including the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 7-9,the nut 120 has a base 200 that includes the elongated members 170, 172,illustrated as generally rectangular tabs. The shape, size, and numberof the elongated members can be selected based on the desiredinteraction between the nut 120 and the nut retainer 122. When the nut120 is coupled to the retainer 122, the base 200 can be held against theface 168 to reduce, limit, or substantially eliminate relative movementbetween the base 200 and the retainer 122.

The illustrated nut 120 can be snapped into the retainer 122 of FIGS. 1and 2 before, after, or during the installation of the retainer 122.Additionally, the nut 120 can be removed from the retainer 122, ifneeded or desired. The retention elements 150, 152 can be deflectedoutwardly until the elongated members 170, 172 are released from theretention elements 150, 152. The nut 120 is then moved away from theretainer 122. Another nut, or other type of component, can then beinstalled in the retainer 122.

Other types of nuts can be utilized with the nut retainer 122. Forexample, one-piece or multi-piece nuts can be incorporated into the nutplate assembly 100. U.S. application Ser. No. 11/445,951, which isincorporated by reference herein in its entirety, discloses such nuts.In some embodiments, the nut 120 is in the form of a conventional nut.The nuts can also be closed-ended nuts. Closed-ended nuts can bemulti-piece components, such as those discussed in connection with FIGS.40-42. Nuts can have caps, nut elements, sealing elements, and the like.

Referring to FIGS. 10-13, the expandable member 126 is in the form of abushing. As used herein, the term “expandable member” is a broad termand includes, but is not limited to, a bushing, a fastener, a structuralexpandable member (e.g., an expandable member that is incorporated intoa structural workpiece), or other structures that are suitable forcoupling to a workpiece. The bushing 126 can be expanded from a firstconfiguration to a second configuration. In some embodiments, forexample, the bushing 126 is radially expanded from an initialconfiguration to a second configuration in order to form an interferencefit with a structural workpiece or a nut retainer, or both, as well asother components, if needed or desired. The term “expandable member”refers to a member both in a pre-expanded state and post-expanded state,unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Various types ofexpansion processes can be employed to expand the expandable members. Ina cold expansion process, for example, the expandable member is radiallyexpanded without appreciably raising the temperature of the expandablemember to produce residual stresses in the workpiece to enhance fatigueperformance. The residual stresses are preferably compressive stressesthat can minimize, limit, inhibit, or prevent crack initiation and/orcrack propagation. As noted above, expandable members can be in the formof bushings. A bushing may be, without limitation, a sleeve (including asplit sleeve), a tubular member (with or without flanges), and the like.The bushing may have various features, such as coatings, liners, seatingfeatures (e.g., flanges) and the like. As used herein, the term“expanding” and variations thereof (e.g., expandable, expanded, etc.)are broad terms and include, but are not limited to, spreading, swaging,drawing, radially expanding, displacing, deforming, or other ways ofdisplacing at least a portion of a component.

The bushing 126 includes a first end 210, a second end 212 opposing thefirst end 210, and a body 214 that extends between the first and secondends 210, 212. The bushing 126 further includes an inner surface 220defining a passageway 221 and an outer surface 222. The outer surface222 includes an outer perimeter 224 that is sized to closely fit (e.g.,to provide a clearance fit with a minimal amount of clearance, a slightclearance fit, or the like) within the tubular body 136 of the retainer122. The bushing 126 can thus be easily inserted into the tubular body136 and then expanded.

FIGS. 14 and 15 show an installation system 240 used to install the nutplate assembly 100. To install the nut plate assembly 100, a nose cap242 of an installation tool 244 is placed against the workpiece 110. Anexpansion mandrel 246 is pulled through the tubular section 130 toexpand both the bushing 126 and the tubular body 136. The expansionmandrel 246 can be an elongated member having at least one taperedportion or expanded portion used to expand one or more components.Mandrels can have a one-piece or multi-piece construction.

The installation tool 244 includes a main body 247 that is coupled to agrip 248. The user can manually grasp the grip 248 to comfortably holdand accurately position the installation system 240. The illustratedgrip 248 is a pistol grip; however, other types of grips can beutilized. The installation tool 244 can be driven electrically,hydraulically, or pneumatically. In some embodiments, the main body 247houses a mechanical drive system that drives the expansion mandrel 246,preferably along a predetermined path (e.g., a line of action) in aproximal direction, towards the installer, and/or distal direction, awayfrom the installer. A pair of fluid lines 251, 252 provides pressurizedfluid (e.g., pressurized gas, liquid, or combinations thereof) to adrive system that actuates the expansion mandrel 246. One of ordinaryskill in the art can select the type of drive system used to achieve thedesired motion of the mandrel 246.

FIGS. 14-18 illustrate one process for installation of the nut plateassembly 100. Generally, the tubular section 130 of the retainerassembly 121 can be inserted into the opening 106. The nut retainingsection 140 is on the first side 138 of the workpiece 110 and thetubular section 130 extends away from the nut retaining section 140towards the second side 139 of the workpiece 110. After positioning theretainer assembly 121, the mandrel 246 is moved through the tubularsection 130 from the first side 138 to the second side 139 to expand thetubular section 130. Details of the installation process are discussedbelow.

FIG. 16 shows the mandrel 246 ready to expand the assembled retainerassembly 121. The retainer assembly 121 can be assembled after or beforethe tubular body 136 is inserted into the workpiece 110. In someembodiments, the bushing 126 is positioned within the tubular body 136after the body 136 is inserted into the opening 106. In otherembodiments, the bushing 126 is inserted into the tubular body 136 andthen the assembled bushing 126 and tubular body 136 are insertedtogether into the opening 106.

FIG. 17 shows a mandrel tapered section 260 beginning to be pulledthrough the tubular section 130 in the direction indicated by an arrow262. As the tapered section 260 progresses through the tubular section130, the tapered section 260 plastically increases the respectivedimensions (e.g., perimeters) of the expanded bushing 126 and tubularbody 136. For illustration purposes, the radial expansion of the tubularsection 130 is exaggerated. The material of the bushing 126 is radiallydisplaced into the material of the tubular body 136 to form a desiredfit between the outer surface 222 of the bushing 126 and the innersurface 182 of the tubular body 136. The material of the tubular body136 in turn radially displaces the inner surface 261 of the opening 206to form a desired fit between the outer surface 184 of the tubular body136 and the inner surface 261. The tapered section 260 cold works theworkpiece material surrounding the retainer section 130 to provide afatigue benefit by creating compressive, residual stresses.

Referring to FIG. 18, the mandrel 246 has cleared the nut plate assembly100. The radially-expanded bushing 126 has a longitudinal length L_(B)that is substantially equal to, less than, or greater than alongitudinal length L_(T) (see FIG. 4) of the tubular body passageway180. The longitudinal length L_(B) can be substantially equal to orgreater than the longitudinal length L_(T) to provide an interferencefit throughout at least a substantial portion of a longitudinal lengthL_(O) of the opening 106. The longitudinal length L_(B) can be measuredalong a longitudinal axis 266 of the bushing 126. The longitudinallength L_(T) can be measured along a longitudinal axis 158 of thetubular body 136.

The illustrated outer surface 184 of the tubular body 136 and the outersurface 222 of the bushing 126 have been radially expanded to providesubstantially equal radial expansion throughout at least most of theopening longitudinal length L_(O). In some embodiments, the entirelength L_(O) of the opening 106 is expanded. Induced compressivestresses in the workpiece material 273 surrounding or adjacent to theopening 106 may improve fatigue performance of the installation.Additionally, the radially-expanded nut retainer 122 of FIG. 18 can betranslationally and/or rotationally fixed with respect to the workpiece110 due to the compressive stresses developed during the expansionprocess. The bushing 126 can be translationally and/or rotationallyfixed with respect to the nut retainer 122. Thus, each component of thenut plate assembly 100 can be fixedly coupled directly or indirectly tothe workpiece 110.

The installed bushing 126 can help inhibit, limit, or substantiallyeliminate relative movement between the workpiece 110 and the retainerassembly 121, even if another component coupled to the retainer assembly121 via the nut 120 is subjected to various loading conditions, such asaxial loads or torsional loads, including static loading and cyclicloading. The bushing 126 can prop the tubular body 136 against theworkpiece 110.

The mandrel 246 can be reused or discarded. If reused, the mandrel 246can be returned to a manufacturer to be reassembled into another nutplate assembly 100. The manufacturer of the nut plate assembly may ormay not provide a refund or other incentive to encourage the return ofmandrels. In some embodiments, the mandrel 246 is disposable.

In some embodiments, the mandrel 246 is a split mandrel, solid mandrel,mandrel assembly (e.g., a mandrel assembly with movable components), orthe like. A wide range of different types of installation systems can beused to install components of nut retainer assemblies. U.S. Pat. No.7,509,829, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety,discloses mandrel assemblies, methods, and components that areespecially well suited for one-sided installation. The mandrelassemblies disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,509,829 can radially expand aretainer without passing the entire mandrel through the retainer.Mandrel assemblies can be modified based on, for example, the desiredamount of radial expansion, installation times, configuration of theretainer, desired induced stresses in the workpiece, or the like.Sleeves (e.g., split sleeves), lubricants, and the like can be used withmandrels to achieve the desired installation. For example, split sleevesand one-piece mandrels can be used to install a retainer having anintegral bushing.

FIG. 19 shows a nut plate assembly 272 that includes a tubular section274 and a nut retaining section 276. Components of the nut plateassembly 272 can be selected to provide different grip lengths.Accordingly, the nut plate assembly 272 can be installed into a widerange of workpieces, including thin sheets, thick plates, and the like,and can be generally similar to the nut plate assembly 100 discussed inconnection with FIGS. 1-18, except as further detailed below.

A longitudinal length L_(TS) of the tubular section 274 can be adjustedbased on the thickness of a workpiece. Expandable members of differentlengths can be used to increase or decrease the longitudinal lengthL_(TS) of the tubular section 274. The tubular section 274 of FIGS. 19and 20 has an outer surface 278, which is defined by a tubular body 280of a nut retainer 282 and an expandable member 284 in the form of abushing. The length of the exposed portion of the bushing 284 can beselected based on the length L_(O) of the opening 287 of the workpiece289. Thus, the illustrated nut retainer 282 can be installed into a widerange of workpieces having different thicknesses.

Referring to FIGS. 21-23, the bushing 284 includes a first section 285for placement in the tubular body 280 of the retainer 282 and a secondsection 286 for physically contacting and expanding the workpiece 289.The first and second sections 285, 286 cooperate to define a bushingpassageway 294. A shoulder 288, illustrated as a stepped diameter,between the first and second sections 285, 286. As shown in FIG. 20, theshoulder 288 contacts an end 290 of the tubular body 280 when the firstsection 285 is positioned along a body passageway 292 of the tubularbody 280.

The first section 285 has a longitudinal length that is substantiallyequal to a length of the nut retainer tubular body 280. The secondsection 286 has a longitudinal length that is substantially equal to alength of a section of the workpiece opening 287 extending between theend 290 of the tubular body 280 and an outer face 291 of the workpiece289. The illustrated second section 286 of FIG. 20 protrudes from theend 290 and through the opening 287 to the face 291.

Referring to FIG. 22, the first section 285 includes a first outerperimeter 295, and the second section 286 includes a second outerperimeter 296 that is greater than the first outer perimeter 295. Insome embodiments, the first outer perimeter 295 is generally equal to orslightly less than an inner perimeter of the tubular body 280. At leasta portion of the first section 285 can also have a transverse profilethat is substantially geometrically congruent to a transverse profile ofat least a portion of the tubular body 280 before and/or after theinstallation process. In some embodiments, the first section 285 has atransverse profile that is slightly smaller than the transverse profileof the tubular body 280 such that a slight interference fit is formedbetween the first section 285 and the tubular body 280 before expansion.The first section 285 and tubular body 280 can then be simultaneouslyexpanded.

At least a portion of the second section 286 can have a transverseprofile that is substantially geometrically congruent to a transverseprofile of at least a portion of the opening 287 before and/or after theinstallation process. In some embodiments, the second section 286 has atransverse profile that is slightly smaller than the transverse profileof the opening 287 such that a slight interference fit is formed betweenthe second section 286 and the opening 287 before expansion. The secondsection 286 can then be expanded to cause corresponding expansion of theopening 287.

To install the nut plate assembly 272 of FIG. 20, the tubular section274 is expanded to form a first interference fit between the firstsection 285 of the bushing 284 and the tubular body 280 and a secondinterference fit between the second section 286 of the bushing 284 andthe workpiece 289. The tubular body 280 is expanded a sufficient amountto form an interference fit with the workpiece 289. Thus, the tubularbody 280 and the bushing 284 are fixed to the workpiece 289 viainterference fits.

In some embodiments, both the outer surface 283 of the tubular body 280of FIG. 19 and the outer surface 281 of the second section 286 can beradially expanded to provide substantially equal radial expansionthroughout at least most of the longitudinal length of the opening 287.In some embodiments, the entire longitudinal length of the opening 287is radially expanded to induce compressive stresses in the material ofthe workpiece 289 physically contacting the tubular section 274.

FIG. 24 shows a mandrel assembly 300 for expanding the nut plateassemblies disclosed herein. The mandrel assembly 300 includes a mandrel301 having an engagement portion 302, a tapered region 304, a receivingsurface 306, and a collar 308. The engagement portion 302 permits themandrel 301 to be connected to an installation tool. The tapered region304 includes a minimum perimeter portion 310, a maximum perimeterportion 312, and a transition perimeter portion 313 extendingtherebetween. The tapered region 304 is positioned downstream, asindicated by the arrow 314, from the engagement portion 302 and operatesto radially expand components. The illustrated maximum perimeter portion312 of the mandrel 301 is larger than the inner perimeter 188 of theretainer 122.

A uniform perimeter region 316 may be positioned adjacent to the maximumperimeter portion 312 of the tapered region 304. The uniform perimeterregion 316 can be useful during the manufacturing of the mandrelassembly 301. In some embodiments, the mandrel 301 may not have auniform perimeter region in order to reduce the axial length of themandrel 301. The maximum perimeter portion 312, for example, can extendfrom the receiving surface 306.

The receiving surface 306 is positioned near the tapered region 304 andincludes an outer perimeter 317 sized to receive an expandable member,such as the bushing 126 or bushing 284 described above. The outerperimeter 317 can be sized to receive (e.g., loosely receive with aclearance fit) an expandable member so as to minimize, limit, orsubstantially prevent damage to the inner surface of the expandablemember. For example, when the bushing 126 of FIG. 26 is positioned alongthe receiving surface 306, the bushing 126 is axially fixed with respectto the mandrel 301. The bushing 126 can be pulled towards the retainer122 as shown in FIG. 27.

The outer perimeter of the bushing 126 is sized to be equal to (e.g.,maximum tolerance conditions) or at least slightly smaller than theinner perimeter 188 of the radially-expanded retainer 122. This relativesizing allows the bushing 126 to be passed (e.g., pulled, pushed, orboth) into the retainer 122 such that the bushing 126 props open thetubular body 136. In some embodiments, the bushing 126 can be insertedinto the tubular body 136 without damaging the bushing 126. The relativesize of the radially expanded tubular body 136 can also permit thebushing 126 to be passed into the radially expanded tubular body 136 sothat the tubular body 136 can contract (e.g., collapse, constrict, andthe like) about the bushing 126. For example, the tubular body 136 canelastically contract to produce an interference fit with the bushing126, which both supports and limits the radial contraction of thetubular body 136.

Referring to FIG. 28A, a shoulder 318 can transition between the maximumperimeter portion 312 or the uniform perimeter region 316 and thereceiving surface 306. The illustrated shoulder 318 is in the form of anannular step. Other shoulder configurations are also possible.

FIGS. 28B-28E show shoulders used to generate somewhat uniformdistributions of residual stresses in the tubular body 136 of theretainer 122. The shoulder 318 of FIG. 28B defines an arcuate outersurface 319 extending from the uniform perimeter region 316 to thereceiving surface 306. The tubular body 136 of the retainer 122 can cameasily over the shoulder 318 and onto the bushing 126. FIG. 28C shows adown-tapered shoulder 318. The rate of taper of the shoulder 318 can beincreased or decreased to decrease or increase the distance between thebushing 126 and the uniform perimeter region 316. The shape, size, andposition of the shoulder 318 can be selected based on the desiredinteraction between the mandrel 301 and the retainer 122. FIG. 28D showsthe shoulder 318 comprising a plurality of steps from the uniformperimeter region 316 to the receiving surface 306. FIG. 28E shows theshoulder 318 connecting the maximum perimeter portion 312 to thereceiving surface 306.

The height of the shoulder 318 can be selected based on theconfiguration of the bushing 126 and the installation process. FIG. 28Ashows the shoulder 318 with a height H that is generally equal to thewall thickness T of the bushing 126. In some embodiments, the wallthickness T of the bushing 126 is less than the height H of the shoulder318 of the mandrel 301. In some embodiments, at least a portion of thewall thickness T is greater than or equal to the height H. Theserelative sizes permit sliding of the bushing 126 into theradially-expanded tubular body 136 during installation withoutappreciably damaging these components.

Referring to FIGS. 28B-28E, the bushing 126 can include an engagementportion 313. The engagement portion 313 can be a layer (e.g., a coatingor plating) of a wear resistant material, lubricant (e.g., ananti-fretting lubricant), or anti-fretting material that is applied tothe bushing 126. The engagement portion 313 can reduce friction, forexample friction between the bushing 126 and another component (notshown) that may move relative to the bushing 126.

One type of engagement portion 313 may be a silver coating applied forwear purposes. The coating may include an amount of silver iodide toenhance lubricity of the silver coating. Alternatively or additionally,the portion 313 can be made, in whole or in part, of a polymer, such assynthetic resin lubricants like polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), TEFLON®,nylon, NEDOX® CR+, blends, mixtures, and combinations thereof. Thesematerials can be generally referred to as “soft” because they aregenerally softer than the main bushing material (e.g., bushing materialcomprising steel). Thus, these relatively soft engagement portions aregenerally more prone to being damaged during the installation process.

Referring again to FIGS. 24 and 25, the collar 308 is positioneddownstream from the receiving surface 306 and engages the mandrel 301 toposition the bushing 126 during the installation process. The receivingsurface 306 is interposed between the shoulder 318 and the collar 308.As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 25, the collar 308 can serve as astop to position the bushing 126 at least proximate to the shoulder 318of the mandrel 301.

The illustrated collar 308 includes internal threads that engage athreaded region 320 of the mandrel 301. The collar 308 can be rotatedabout the threaded region 320 to adjust the distance between theshoulder 318 and the face 309 of the collar 308 for contacting thebushing 126. The collar 308, once placed on the mandrel 301, may betorqued down to provide at least a slight compression force on thebushing 126 depending on the compressive strength capacity of thebushing 126. In this manner, the collar 308 and shoulder 318 cooperateto limit or substantially prevent axial movement of the bushing 126along the mandrel 301.

FIGS. 29 and 30 show a rivetless modular nut plate assembly 400 thatincludes a nut 420 and a retainer assembly 421. The retainer assembly421 includes a nut retainer 422, illustrated as a cage, and a retainer430. When installed, the retainer 430 holds the cage 422 against theworkpiece. The cage 422 can release the nut 420 without damaging anycomponent of the nut plate assembly 400. Another nut can then beinstalled in the empty cage 422. The nut plate assembly 400 can bedissembled to inspect the installation, perform maintenance,combinations thereof, or the like.

Referring to FIGS. 31 and 32, the nut 420 has elongated members 470, 472capable of mechanically coupling to the cage 422. To decrease orincrease the distance that the nut 420 is allowed to float, the widthsof the elongated members 470, 472 can be increased or decreased,respectively. For example, each of the elongated members 470, 472 canhave a width W₁ that is increased to W₂ (shown in dashed line in FIG.32) to reduce the distance the nut 420 is allowed to float. As viewedfrom above, the elongated members 470, 472 can have substantiallyrectangular shapes (illustrated in FIGS. 31 and 32), substantiallytrapezoidal shapes, tapered shapes, or the like.

The retainer 430 of FIG. 31 includes a mounting plate 460 receivable ina receiving space 461 of the cage 422 and an expandable member 463(illustrated as a tubular member) extending away from the mounting plate460. The mounting plate 460 includes four tabs 473 a-d (collectively473) connected to an outer periphery 474 of the mounting plate 460. Thefour tabs 473 are generally equally spaced about a central throughhole480. Any number of tabs 473 with different spacing can be used toprovide the desired relative movement, if any, between the retainer 430and the cage 422. In other embodiments, the retainer 430 includes amounting plate without any tabs. The cage 422 may include one or moreprotrusions, tabs, tangs, barbs, stops, combinations thereof, or otherfeatures used to physically contact and retain the retainer 430.

The mounting plate 460 of FIG. 31 is a generally flat disc with asubstantially flat face 490. An inner periphery 475 of the mountingplate 460 defines one end of the throughhole 480. The nut 420 can layflat along the surface 490 to align a nut 424 with the throughhole 480.In some embodiments, the mounting plate 460 is in the form of a rigidflange extending radially outward from the retainer 430.

The retainer 430 can have a one-piece construction or a multi-piececonstruction. In one-piece embodiments, a single piece of material ismonolithically formed into a desired configuration via a machiningprocess, a molding process, combinations thereof, or the like. Forexample, the mounting plate 460 can be integrally formed with theexpandable member 463. In multi-piece embodiments, the mounting plate460 can be a stamped plate that is coupled (e.g., welded) to an extrudedor machined expandable member 463.

With continued reference to FIG. 31, the cage 422 includes retentionelements 500, 502 with diametrically opposed openings 510, 512,respectively. The retention elements 500, 502 can be spaced apart so asto allow the retainer 430 to nest therebetween. Each opening 510, 512 isillustrated as an elongated slot.

The cage 422 further includes an abutment portion 540 and stops 560,562. The stops 560, 562 can physically contact the tabs 473 to minimize,limit, or substantially prevent rotational movement of the retainer 430with respect to the cage 422. The illustrated stops 560, 562 arethickened sections of a sidewall 520.

The abutment portion 540 is a generally planar member that extendsinwardly from the sidewall 520 and defines a throughhole 530. Theretention elements 500, 502 and the abutment portion 540 can beconnected together such that the retention elements 500, 502 can bedeflected away from one another in order to receive the nut 420. In someembodiments, the abutment portion 540 has a face 541 that issubstantially geometrically congruent to a face 544 (see FIG. 33) of themounting plate 460. Because most of the surface area of the face 541contacts the mounting plate 460, contact stresses can be kept at orbelow an acceptable level. The footprint of the retainer assembly 421can be significantly smaller than conventional nut plates and providehigh clamp up forces.

Referring again to FIGS. 29 and 30, the components of the nut plateassembly 400 can be made of a wide range of different materials. Thecage 422 can comprise a material that is different from the material ofthe retainer 430. For example, the cage 422 can be made of anon-metallic material, and the retainer 430 can be made of a metallicmaterial. Non-metallic materials include, but are not limited to,polymers, plastics, composites, ceramics, or combinations thereof.Plastics include, without limitation, polyimides, polyamide,polyamide-imide (PAI) materials, nylon, polyurethane, polyester,polyvinyl-chloride (PVC), blends, combinations thereof, or other typesof engineering plastics.

The nut 420 can be made, in whole or in part, of a material (forexample, metal) that is substantially more rigid than the material ofthe non-metallic cage 422. Such embodiments are well suited for manualinstallation.

In some embodiments, the cage 422 and the retainer 430 are made of thesame material. Such embodiments are well suited for reducing corrosionbetween components of the nut plate assembly 400. In high temperatureapplications, both the cage 422 and the retainer 430 can be made ofmetal, such as stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, or any othersuitable metal that maintains its dimensional stability even at hightemperatures (e.g., at temperatures above 400° C.). In some embodiments,for example, both the cage 422 and the retainer 430 are made of ametallic material to inhibit, reduce, or eliminate corrosion at thecontact interfaces.

The composition of the components of the nut plate assembly 400 can beselected based on known design criteria, including desired overallweight, strength to weight ratios, impact resistance, heat resistance,chemical resistance, corrosive properties, electrical properties,fatigue resistance properties, dimensional stability, combinationsthereof, or the like. The composition of the components can also beselected based on the properties of the workpiece. If the nut plateassembly 400 is to be installed in a composite workpiece, the cage 422can be made of a material that is softer than the composite material tominimize, limit, or substantially prevent damage (including wear,corrosion, cracking, or the like) to the workpiece. Even though the cage422 is made of a relatively soft material (e.g., TORLON®), the nut 420can be repeatedly removed from the cage 422 without irreversiblydamaging the cage 422. Relatively high clamp up forces may thus beachieved without damaging the workpiece. If the nut plate assembly 400is to be installed in a metal workpiece, the cage 422 can be made ofmetal.

The cage 422 can comprise a material with an ultimate strength or yieldstrength that is less than about half of an ultimate strength or yieldstrength, respectively, of a material of the retainer 430. In someembodiments, for example, the cage 422 comprises a polyamide-imidematerial with a yield strength in a range of about 100 MPa to about 110MPa, and the retainer 430 can comprise a material with a yield strengthgreater than about 200 MPa. Such retainer 430 can be made of aluminum,steel, titanium, combinations thereof, or the like. In some embodiments,the retainer 430 comprises a material with a yield strength greater thanboth a yield strength of the cage 422 and a yield strength of theworkpiece. For example, the retainer 430 can be made of metal, the cage422 can be made of plastic, and the workpiece can be made of a compositematerial, such as CFRP.

Coatings (e.g., metallic coatings or non-metallic coatings, or both) canbe formed onto the nut cage assembly 400. In some embodiments, the cage422 is a non-metallic part that is partially coated with metal. Themetal coating can provide an aesthetically appealing appearance. In someembodiments, the coated cage 422 comprises at least 75%, 85%, 90%, or95% by weight of a non-metallic material. Additionally or alternatively,the expandable member 463 can be coated with one or more lubricants tofacilitate installation. In certain embodiments, a dry film lubricantfacilitates sliding of a mandrel assembly along the expandable member463.

FIGS. 33-35 show one process for installing the nut plate assembly 400.Generally, the expandable member 463 is inserted through the throughhole530 of the cage 422. The expandable member 463 is then inserted throughan opening 582 of a workpiece 584. An engagement face 590 of the cage422 is seated against a first surface 592 of the workpiece 584. Aninstallation tool expands the expandable member 463 to couple theretainer 430 to the workpiece 584. The nut 420 can then be fitted intothe installed cage 422. Details of the installation process arediscussed below.

FIG. 33 shows the retainer assembly 421 ready to be fixedly coupled tothe workpiece 584. To assemble the retainer assembly 421, the expandablemember 463 is inserted through the throughhole 530 of the cage 422. Themounting plate 460 is moved into contact with the abutment portion 570.An end 586 of the expandable member 463 can be passed through theopening 582 to bring the abutment portion 570 into contact with thefirst surface 592. As shown in FIG. 33, the abutment portion 570 can besandwiched between the mounting plate 460 and the workpiece 584. The end586 can be generally flush with or proximate to a second surface 594 ofthe workpiece 584. If the workpiece 584 is a thin sheet (e.g., a sectionof sheet metal), the end 586 can protrude from the second surface 594.If the workpiece 584 has a relatively large thickness, the end 586 maybe positioned at some point along a longitudinally-extending passageway596 of the opening 582.

The expandable member 463 can extend along an entire longitudinal lengthof the opening 582. In some embodiments, a length of the section of theexpandable member 463 that forms an interference fit with the workpiece584 has a length of at least about 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2 mm, or 3 mm. Thelength can be selected based on the desired grip length. The expandablemember 463, in some embodiments, can be sufficiently long to provide agrip length of at least about 1.5 mm for many types of aerospaceapplications.

FIG. 34 shows a mandrel assembly 600 ready to install the retainer 430.Generally, the mandrel assembly 600 can be inserted through the retainer430. The mandrel assembly 600 can then assume an expanded configurationsuch that, when the mandrel assembly 600 is moved back through theretainer 430, the expandable member 463 is expanded.

The mandrel assembly 600 includes an inner member 604 and a slottedouter member 602 that slides along the inner member 604. As disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 7,509,829, which is incorporated by reference herein inits entirety, the slotted outer member 602 can slide in a directionindicated by an arrow 630 past a transition section 632 (e.g., a steppedor tapered section). As the outer member 602 slides along the transitionsection 632, the outer member 602 moves to a collapsed configuration(illustrated in dashed line in FIG. 34). The mandrel assembly 600 isinserted through the retainer assembly 421 in a direction indicated byan arrow 610.

As the outer member 602 moves along the tapered section 632, the outermember 602 expands such that the maximum circumference of a taperedsection 620 is larger than an inner diameter of the throughhole 480 ofthe retainer 430. The mandrel assembly 600 can be moved in a directionindicated by the arrow 630 to bring the tapered section 620 intophysical contact with the expandable member 463 to begin the expansionprocess.

To facilitate the expansion process, the retainer 430 includes a chamfer650 extending about the throughhole 480. The tapered section 620 canslide along the chamfer 650 to align the mandrel assembly 600 with thethroughhole 480. The retainer 430 can have other types of features toreduce installation time, improve installation consistency, or the like.

FIG. 35 shows the retainer 430 in an expanded state. The nut 420 can besnap-fit into the cage 422 by inserting the elongated members 470, 472into corresponding openings 510, 512. Angled surfaces 655, 657 (e.g.,chamfers) of the retention elements 500, 502, respectively, canfacilitate the assembly process. The angled surfaces 655, 657 help guiderelatively large nuts into the cage 422. In some embodiments, aninstaller can manually snap-fit the nut 420 into the cage 422. As thenut 420 is pressed into the cage 422, the retainer 430 remains securelycoupled to the workpiece 584. Of course, as shown in FIG. 35, there issome amount of play because the elongated arms 470, 472 are smaller thanthe openings 510, 512.

Because nuts may have different shapes and dimensions, the retentionelements 500, 502 can be spread apart (indicated by arrows 640, 642) awide range of distances. To receive relatively large nuts withoutexperiencing significant damage, the cage 422 can be made of a resilientmaterial capable of experiencing significant elastic deformation. Thecage 422 can be provided with different types of features to achievedifferent types of snap-fits.

The cage 422 of FIG. 35 can securely hold the nut 420 even ifsignificant loads (including static loads, cyclic loads, or both) areapplied. To remove the nut 420, the retention elements 500, 502 can bemanually moved apart manually or by using removal equipment.Advantageously, the cage 422 can be repeatedly deformed withoutappreciable plastic deformation.

A component can be threadably coupled to an internal threaded portion660 of FIG. 35 of the nut 420. The retainer 430, cage 422, and nut 420can remain locked together as the threaded component is installed. Thedimensions of the throughhole 480 of the retainer 430 and an unthreadedportion 481 of the nut 420 can be selected to provide the desired amountof clearance. For example, if a bolt is installed into the nut plate400, the diameter of the throughhole 480 and the unthreaded portion 481can be selected to achieve the desired amount of bolt clearance tofacilitate rapid installation.

FIG. 36 shows nut plate assemblies 702, 704, 706, 708 installed in aworkpiece 700. The nut plate assemblies 702, 704, 706, 708 have a commoncage design (for example, substantially geometrically congruent cages712, 714, 716, 718). Nuts 722, 724, 726, 728 with differentconfigurations are installed in the cages 712, 714, 716, 718 and can beswitched or replaced. A wide range of different types of conventionalnuts (e.g., closed-ended nuts, open-ended nuts, threaded nuts,collapsible nuts, quick-release elements, or the like) can be installedin the cages 712, 714, 716, 718. The components of the nut plateassemblies 702, 704, 706, 708 can be selected to achieve a desiredamount of floating (e.g., nut float, bolt float or clearance, etc.) orbolt clearances. The nut plate assemblies 702, 704, 706, 708 can begenerally similar to one another and, accordingly, the description ofone applies equally to the others, unless indicated otherwise. Detailsof the nut plate assemblies 702, 704, 706, 708 are discussed below.

The nut 722 can be generally similar or identical to the nut 420discussed in connection with FIGS. 29-35. The nut 724 has elongatedmembers 730, 732 that are wider than elongated members 734, 736 of thenut 722. The elongated members 730, 732 allow less floating (e.g.,rotational movement, translation, etc.) of the nut 724 as compared tothe nut 722.

The nut 726 has tapered elongated members 752, 754 connected to anannular mounting plate 760. A hollow nut 762 is connected to the annularmounting plate 760 resting against an abutment portion 761 of the cage716. The hollow nut 762 is an open-ended tubular member with internalthreads 763. The angles of taper, the widths, and thicknesses of theelongated members 752, 754 can be selected to achieve the desiredinteraction with the cage 716.

The nut 728 includes a circular mounting plate 772, generallyrectangular elongated members 782, 784, and a closed-ended nut 790. Thenut 728 is well suited for installation in wet settings.

The highly flexible cages 712, 714, 716, 718 can receive and hold a widerange of different types of components. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,468,104;6,077,010; 6,183,180; and U.S. application Ser. Nos. 10/928,641;11/445,951, which are all incorporated by reference in their entireties,disclose nuts, (including closed-ended nuts, open-ended nuts,multi-piece nuts, etc.), housings, caps, nut/cap assemblies, fasteners,and other components that can be incorporated into the nut plateassemblies discloses herein. The cages provide dimensional stability,even after a long service life, so that different devices can be coupledto the workpiece using the nut plate assemblies.

The nut plate assemblies 702, 704, 706, 708 can be installedsequentially or concurrently. A single mandrel assembly can be used toinstall the nut plate assemblies 702, 704, 706, 708 sequentially.Alternatively, multiple installers can concurrently install the nutplate assemblies 702, 704, 706, 708 to reduce overall installation time.

The installation techniques and equipment for installing the nut plateassemblies 702, 704, 706, 708 can be selected based on the design of thecomponents of the assemblies. The nut plate assemblies 702, 704, 706,708 can be contained in prepackaged kits that contain an array of nutsso that the user can select an appropriate nut for an application. Aretainer 792 of the nut plate assembly 702 can be installed in a firsthole of the workpiece 700 using a multi-piece mandrel. A retainer 794 ofthe nut plate assembly 704 can be installed in a hole of the workpiece700 using a split sleeve and a one-piece mandrel.

The illustrated nut 724 has a plate 810 that is closely received by tabs812, 814, 816, 818 of the retainer 794. The shape of the plate 810 andthe tabs 812, 814, 816, 818 cooperate to allow the nut 724 to float witha desired amount of movement.

FIGS. 37 and 38 show a nut plate assembly 900 well suited for blindinstallations. The nut plate assembly 900 includes a cage 910 and aretainer 920. The retainer 920 includes a deformable region 930 (FIG.37) that can form a flange 940 (FIG. 38) on a backside 953 of aworkpiece 950.

If the workpiece 950 is a wall of a tank or other pressurized structure,a fluid tight seal (e.g., a liquid tight seal, a gas tight seal, orboth) can be formed between the workpiece 950 and the retainer 920. Ifthe workpiece 950 is a fuel tank of an aircraft, the backside 953 (i.e.,the inside chamber of the fuel tank) can be highly pressurized. A fluidtight seal 956 (see FIG. 38) can keep the pressurized fuel in the fueltank. To form the seal 956, an integral expandable portion 957 can beexpanded into the workpiece 950. Such a seal can be formed even if theworkpiece 950 is made of a composite material. Of course, the expandableportion 957 can include one or more bushings that may be used to propopen the expanded portion 957 of the retainer 920. The amount ofexpansion of the expandable portion 957 can be selected based on theproperties of the workpiece 950.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,487,767 and 6,990,722; and application Ser. No.10/928,641 (corresponding to U.S. Publication No. US2006/0045649)disclose different types of fasteners, deformable regions/features,installation apparatuses, expandable portions, and installationtechniques that can be used in combination with or incorporated into thenut plate assembly 900, as well as with other embodiments and featuresdisclosed herein. U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,487,767 and 6,990,722; andapplication Ser. No. 10/928,641 are hereby incorporated by reference intheir entireties. By way of example, the retainer 920 can be installedusing the techniques disclosed in the incorporated patents and/orapplication.

Features can be incorporated into the nut plate assemblies disclosedherein to facilitate installation, enhance performance, improveaesthetics, reduce installation times, or the like. For example,retainers can include one or more wave relieving geometric features(e.g., wave relieving geometric features disclosed in U.S. applicationSer. No. 11/796,545, filed Apr. 27, 2007, corresponding to U.S.Publication No. US2007/0289351), wave inhibitors (e.g., wave inhibitorsdisclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 12/399,817), or the like. Anexpandable portion or member of a retainer can include a wave inhibitorin the form of a tapered section adapted to radially expand theworkpiece. The tapered section can accommodate displaced material (e.g.,material of the expandable member and/or workpiece) so as tosubstantially prevent stress concentrations associated with thedisplaced material in the region of the workpiece radially adjacent tothe wave inhibitor. Such wave inhibitors are especially well suited forcontrolling or limiting compressive stresses in composite workpieces orother types of workpieces susceptible to damage due to significantstress gradients. Accordingly, substantially uniform stresses can beproduced throughout the thickness of the workpiece.

FIG. 39 shows an expandable member 980 that includes a wave inhibitor982. A first end 983 of the expandable member 980 is coupled to amounting plate 986. A second end 988 of the expandable member 980opposes the first end 983. A passageway 990 extends between the firstend 983 and the second end 988 and tapers outwardly proximate the secondend 988 to define the wave inhibitor 982. The taper can be substantiallyuniform or may vary with respect to a longitudinal axis 998 of theexpandable member 990.

Various types of manufacturing processes can be used to make the variousembodiments described herein. Stamping processes, machining processes,bending processes, extrusion processes, molding processes, or the likecan be used to produce the disclosed features and components disclosedherein. To form a metal nut retainer, a flat sheet of metal can be cutand formed into a desired configuration. To form a non-metallic nutretainer, an injection molding process can be used to mold anon-metallic material into a desired configuration. Different parts orfeatures of the nut retainer assemblies can be made of differentmaterials to enhance performance, increase strength to weight ratios,reduce overall weight, improve fatigue performance, reduce installationtimes, combinations thereof, or the like.

The nut plate assemblies disclosed herein can provide a high-levelelectrical conductivity, sealing (with or without added sealants),enhanced hole compression strength, enhanced fatigue performance,increased bearing strength for reduced fastener diameters, and reducewear along workpiece holes. The nut plate assemblies can have reducedinstallation times as compared to conventional rivetless nut plates.Because common parts are used, there is a reduced part count and reduceddifficulty in selecting appropriate components to install with each nutplate. If nut plate assemblies are installed in aerospace applications,nut plates with the same or similar cage designs can be installed toavoid or mitigate problems associated with installing multiple cagedesigns. The nut cage assemblies with plastic components have arelatively low weight and enhanced versatility with respect tocorrosion. Plastic cages are especially well suited for use with metal,composite, and plastic workpieces.

Different clearances (e.g., fastener shank clearances, throughholeclearances, or the like) can be provided using a single modular nutplate assembly. Nuts with different configurations can be installed toprovide different amounts of float for 5 mm bolt clearance, 3 mm boltclearance, 1.5 mm bolt clearance, 1 mm bolt clearance, or the like. Thedistance of nut float can be about 0.03 inch (0.76 mm), 0.06 inch (1.52mm), 0.12 inch (3.05 mm), or the like. An installer can select anappropriate nut for achieving the desired amount of float for a desiredbolt clearance. For example, an installer can select a type of nut plateassembly based on installation conditions, such as whether the nut plateassembly will be subjected to high temperatures and/or low temperatures.Based on operating conditions and environment (e.g., a wet environment,such as a fuel tank), the nut (e.g., a quick release member, an openmember, or a closed member, or the like) can be selected. The fastenersize and amount of nut float, fastener clearance (e.g., bolt clearance),or the like can be selected. The installer can select an appropriatecombination of components to provide the desired installation. Becausethe nut plate assemblies are modular, components can be easily mixed andmatched to provide for different installations and different fitsthroughout the service of the workpiece.

FIGS. 40-42 show a closed-ended nut 1000 that includes a dome cap 1020and an internal assembly 1030. The internal assembly 1030 includes a nutelement 1040 and a sealing assembly 1042. The dome cap 1020 can receiveand surround the sealing assembly 1042 to provide a seal with anothercomponent (illustrated as a retainer assembly 1021 in FIG. 42).

The installed nut element 1040 of FIG. 42 can receive a threadedcomponent. The sealing assembly 1042 can be compressed between theretainer assembly 1021 and the nut element 1040 to form a seal 1043 withthe retainer assembly 1021 and another seal 1045 with the nut element1040. An outer surface of the sealing assembly 1042 can form a seal 1047with an inner surface 1048 of the cap 1020. The seals 1043, 1045, 1047can be fluid tight seals (e.g., air tight seals, liquid tight seals,etc.) or other type of desired seals.

Referring again to FIG. 40, the dome cap 1020 has a closed end 1098, asealing assembly retention section 1100, and a nut element retentionsection 1101. The nut element 1040 can be inserted into the nut elementretention section 1101. A polygonal base 1108 of the nut element 1040can be received by the section 1101 to limit, prevent, or substantiallyeliminate rotational movement of the nut element 1040. The sealingassembly 1042 can be inserted into the section 1100.

One or more retention features can be molded or otherwise provided onthe inner surface 1048 (FIG. 40) of the cap 1020. The retention featurescan be tabs, grooves, combinations thereof or the like that cooperate toretain the nut element 1040 and/or the sealing assembly 1042. In someembodiments, the retention features are in the form of inwardlyextending tabs integrally formed with the wall of the dome cap 1020.

The illustrated sealing assembly 1042 has an annular shape and includesa washer 1070 and a sealing element 1072. In some embodiments, thewasher 1070 and the sealing element 1072 are co-molded to minimize oreliminate separation. In other embodiments, the washer 1070 is bonded orotherwise coupled to the sealing element 1072. For example, a sealingmaterial can be applied between the cap 1020 and the sealing assembly1042.

The sealing assembly 1042 can be made, in whole or in part, of one ormore metals, rubbers, polymer, elastomers, or other types of materialsthat can provide sealing capability. The washer 1070 can be made, inwhole or in part, of metal to provide a metal-to-metal interface withthe nut element 1040. The sealing element 1072 can be made of anon-metal material (e.g., rubber, polymers, plastics, elastomers, orcombinations thereof), and can be in the form of an O-ring, gasket,compressible annular member, or other type of sealing component.Advantageously, the sealing element 1072 can provide electricalresistance to prevent or inhibit arcing between the washer 1070 andother metal components. A wide range of different types of electricallyinsulating materials (e.g., rubber, plastic, or the like) can be used toform the sealing element 1072. In some embodiments, the sealing element1072 is made of silicon.

The nut element 1040 of FIGS. 40-42 includes internal threads 1090 and amain body 1092. The base 1108 can have a polygonal profile (illustratedas a generally square profile) receivable by the complementary shapednut element retention section 1101, as noted above.

FIG. 42 shows a nut plate assembly 1003 ready to receive a threadedattachment. The nut element 1040 is sandwiched between an abutment 1077(illustrated as a stepped region) of the cap 1020 and the sealingassembly 1042 to compress the sealing element 1072 so as to form theseals 1043, 1047. The washer 1070 can be pressed against a base surface1074 of the nut element 1040 to form the seal 1045. Protrusions 2000,2002 extend through first and second openings 2010, 2012, respectively,of a cage 1025 of the retainer assembly 1021. The cap 1020 can beremoved to replace components (e.g., the sealing element 1072), toperform maintenance, and/or to perform inspections.

The nut plate assembly 1003 can be installed in a wide range ofdifferent types of workpieces, such as panels, bulkheads, structuralaircraft components, or the like. The nut plate assembly 1003 isespecially well suited for installation in workpieces that are sensitiveto high loads due to its relatively light weight. Such workpiece 1010may be made of a composite material. Components of the nut plateassembly 1003 can be made of relatively lightweight plastics or otherlightweight materials.

The cap 1020 can comprise an electrically insulating material to preventexposure of highly conductive surfaces (e.g., metal surfaces of the nutelement 1040) to the surrounding environment. In some embodiments, thecap 1020 provides resistance to arcing (e.g., arcing due to lightningstrikes). The insulating material can be plastics, polyimides,polyamide, polyamide-imide materials, nylon, polyurethane, polyester,polyvinyl-chloride, or combinations thereof. The cap 1020 and thesealing assembly 1042 can define a non-metal/non-metal interface, andthe nut element 1040 and the sealing assembly 1042 can form ametal-to-metal interface that is spaced well-apart and electricallyinsulated from the retainer assembly 1021 and/or workpiece 1010. Such anarrangement can inhibit or prevent arcing, even if relatively highelectrical loads are applied to the workpiece 1010. Accordingly,different portions or components of the nut plate assembly 1003 can bemade of non-conducting materials to prevent electrical pathways.

The retainer assembly 1021 of FIG. 42 can be made of one or morepolymers, plastics, metals, or combinations thereof. If the retainerassembly 1021 is made of metal, the cap 1020 can be made of plastic tolimit, minimize, or substantially eliminate or limit electrical flowbetween the cap 1020 and the retainer assembly 1021. In someembodiments, nut plate assembly 1003 does not have any metal-to-metalinterfaces that may be susceptible to arcing.

Components of the nut plate assembly 1003 can provide enhancedperformance (e.g., chemical resistance, corrosion resistance, electricalresistance, or the like) for a long service life. If the nut plateassembly 1003 will be exposed to corrosive substances, the cap 1020 canbe made of a corrosion resistant material (e.g., a chemically corrosionresistant material). Even after a relatively long service, the cap 1020can be easily removed. Thus, the nut plate assembly 1003 can exhibitless significantly less corrosion than conventional nut plates withmetal-to-metal interfaces.

With continued reference to FIG. 42, the nut 1000 can be interchangedwith other nuts disclosed herein, such as the nut 120 discussed inconnection with FIGS. 1, 2, and 7-9, and installed into other types ofcomponents, such as the cage 910 discussed in connection with FIGS. 37and 38. The retainer assembly 1021 can be used to install sealing nuts,non-sealing nuts, or other types of nuts in a wide range of differenttypes of workpieces, including workpieces that require fluid tightsealing capability, high clamp-up forces, corrosion resistance, or thelike.

FIGS. 43 and 44 show a nut plate assembly 2001 that includes aprotective cap 2020 sealed to a workpiece 2013. The nut plate assembly2001 includes a closed-ended nut 2011 and an internal assembly that canbe the same as the closed-ended nut 1040 and internal assembly 1030 ofFIG. 42, except as detailed below.

The protective cap 2020 can be made of metal, plastic, or other suitablematerial and can inhibit, limit, or substantially prevent contaminantsfrom reaching internal components of the nut plate assembly 2001. Theprotective cap 2020 includes a closed end 2021, a tubular body 2022, anda cage retention section 2023. The closed ended nut 2011 can be insertedinto a cap chamber 2025 to bring an end 2027 of the cap 2020 against aworkpiece 2013.

A sealing material 2030 surrounds the periphery of the cap 2020 and cancomprise one or more polymers (e.g., polysulfide, silicon, or the like),rubber, or the like. The sealing material 2030 can be a bead of apolysulfide sealant that extends about the entire periphery of the cap2020 to form a seal, such as an airtight seal or water tight seal. Thecomposition of the material 2030 can be selected to withstand workingpressures and/or to provide corrosion protection, electrical insulation,or desired mechanical properties (e.g., high strength properties) andthe like. In other embodiments, sealing members (e.g., O-rings, gaskets,or the like) can form a seal between the protective cap and theworkpiece. Sealant materials can be used to form seals between othercomponents of nut plate assemblies disclosed herein. For example, asealing material can seal the cap 1020 of FIG. 42 to the washer 1070 ofFIG. 42.

To install the cap 2020, the cap 2020 can be placed over the closedended nut 2011. The section 2023 can be moved over a cage 2042. The openend 2027 can be held against the workpiece 2010, while the sealingmaterial is applied along the interface of the cap 2020 and workpiece2010. In some embodiments, the material is applied manually. In otherembodiments, tools are used to apply the sealing material 2030. If thesealing material 2030 is a thermoplastic, the material can be heated andapplied. As the material cools, it can help limit movement of the cap2020. The sealing member 2030 can thus both form a seal and mechanicallycouple the cap 2020 to the workpiece 2010.

FIG. 45 shows coupling features 2040 a, 2040 b, 2040 c, 2040 d(collectively 2040) that minimize, limit, or substantially preventrelative movement between the cage 2042 and the cap 2020. The couplingfeatures 2040 can be received by complementary shaped coupling featuresof the cap 2020. The coupling features 2040 are protrusions, illustratedas partially spherical protrusions, located along a cylindrical sidewall2044. FIG. 45 shows the cage 2042 with four coupling features 2040. Ahigher or lower of coupling features can be utilized, if needed ordesired. The position and spacing of the coupling features can beselected based on the number of coupling features of the cage.

The cap 2020 has coupling features that mate with the coupling features2040 of the cage 2042. The illustrated portion of the cap 2020 in FIG.45 has coupling features 2050 a, 2050 b (collectively 2050). The capcoupling feature 2050 a is a variable depth recess that includes a firstpartially spherical recess 2052, a second partially spherical recess2054, and a connecting recess 2056. The cap coupling feature 2050 b isan elongate slot extending from a cap opening 2057. To snap fit theprotective cap 2020 to the cage 2042, the coupling features 2050 can bealigned with the coupling features 2040. A user can manually rotate thecage 2020 until the coupling features are properly aligned. The cap 2020can then be pushed toward the workpiece 2010 (see FIG. 44) to slide thecap 2020 over the cage 2042 while the coupling features 2040 slide alongthe coupling features 2050. The cap 2020 snap fits to the cage 2042 asthe coupling feature 2040 a is seated in the partially spherical recess2054. The coupling features 2040 b, 2050 b cooperate to help preventunwanted rotational movement of the cap 2020 with respect to the cage2042.

To remove the cap 2020, the cap 2020 is moved away from the workpiece2010. The coupling features 2040 can be slid out of the couplingfeatures 2050 as the cap 2020 is pulled off the cage 2042. In thismanner, the cap 2020 can be conveniently installed and removed asdesired.

A wide range of different types of coupling features can be utilized.Such coupling features can include, without limitation, recesses,protrusions, slots, pins, or the like. In other embodiments, the innersurface of the cap 2020 can include protrusions, such as partiallyspherical protrusions. The coupling features of the cage 2040 can berecesses (e.g., recesses similar to the recesses 2050 of the cap 2020).

The dimensions and/or configurations of the assemblies disclosed hereincan be selected based different design principles. The retainer and cageassemblies can provide one or more surfaces (e.g., a curved surface or around surface) that are generally concentric to a throughhole forreceiving a fastener (e.g., a threaded bolt). The surface (e.g.,surfaces 475 a-d and 477 of FIG. 30) can define a retainer bearing area.The retainer bearing area can be bounded, at least in part, by fourup-turned tabs (see tabs 473 a-d of FIG. 30). The size of the retainerbearing area can be selected based, at least in part, on the largestfunctional element. In many cases, the largest functional element is anut, such as a sealed nut dome. Two opposing sets of up-turned tabsprovides access to openings or windows in the cage. The contact betweena floating nut and the up-turned tabs provides resistance to torqueloads. Contact between the floating nut and the cage window providesresistance to pushout loads.

A base of the nut or the “nut footprint” can establish compatibilitywith the nut retainer and/or cage. For floating functional elements, thenut footprint can be defined by one or more protrusions. In someembodiments, the nut footprint is defined by a round flange that candefine a nut bearing area. In other embodiments, the nut footprint isdefined by a pair of opposing flats or a pair of nut feet or elongatemembers. The nut bearing area contributes to axial tensile performanceand limits float while the nut feet couple with the nut retainer/cage toprovide resistance to torque and pushout.

Float of the functional element can be selected such that the radialfloat (±) of the functional element is greater than about half of themaximum clearance between the fastener and the throughhole in theassembly. The float is established by the nut bearing area within theretainer bearing area. Because the retainer bearing area is constrained(e.g., constrained by the dimensions of the nut dome, for example, toaccept the nut dome), the nut bearing area can be equal to the retainerbearing area minus the maximum fastener clearance minus applicabletolerances. The width of the nut feet can be evaluated to ensure thatthat contact with the cage window does not interfere with the desiredfloat. A workable range and a dimension for the nut bearing areadiameter and the nut foot width are listed in Table 1 below.

TABLE 1 Floating Functional Element Components Distance Nut BearingBetween Distance Radial (±) Area Nut Foot the Across Nut Element TypeFloat Diameter Width Windows Feet Open 0.02 0.485-0.505 0.110-0.1300.525-0.535 0.606-0.616 Style (0.495) (0.120) (0.530) (0.611) Elements0.04 0.445-0.465 0.110-0.130 0.525-0.535 0.653-0.663 (0.455) (0.120)(0.530) (0.658) 0.028 0.469-.489 0.110-0.13  0.525-0.535 0.625-0.635(.479) (0.12)  (0.53)  (.63) 0.06 0.501-0.521 0.11-0.13 0.62-0.630.792-0.802 (0.511) (0.12)  (0.625) (0.797) 0.028 0.564-0.5840.110-0.130 0.62-0.63 0.718-0.728 (0.574) (0.120) (0.625) (0.723) 0.060.611-0.631 0.140-0.160 0.73-0.74 0.898-0.908 (0.621) (0.150) (0.735)(0.903) Quick 0.043 0.445-0.465 0.110-0.130 0.525-0.535 0.658-0.668Release (0.455) (0.120) (0.530) (0.663) Elements 0.032 0.556-0.5760.110-0.130 0.62-0.63 0.727-0.737 (0.566) (0.120) (0.625) (0.732) 0.0630.603-0.623 0.140-0.160 0.73-0.74 0.907-0.917 (0.613) (0.150) (0.735)(0.912) (All dimensions in inches - Exemplary dimensions in parentheses)

To assemble a nut into a retainer and a cage, a protruding foot (e.g.,elongate member 472 of FIG. 31) of the nut is passed through one of thecage windows (e.g., window 512) as far as possible. The extent to whichthe nut can be fitted into the cage window may be limited by contactbetween the round nut bearing area and the up-turned tabs on theretainer. Once in this position, a load (e.g., an axial force, arotational force, or both) can be applied to the nut in order to forcethe opposing nut foot down into the opposing cage window. The materialof the cage that defines the window can flex to allow the nut foot topass into the window and rebound so as to keep the nut in place. Withoutcomplicated tools or significant skill, the nut can be removed in asimilar manner.

Non-floating embodiments can have functional elements with dimensionsselected based on the size of other components. A nut retainer and cageeach can provide surface(s) (e.g., an arcuate or round surface) that isgenerally concentric to a fastener throughhole. The surface(s) area canbe referred to as the retainer bearing area. The retainer bearing areacan be bounded by a plurality of tabs, such as four up-turned tabs. Thesize of the retainer bearing area can be dictated by the functionalelement with the largest dimensions, such as a sealed nut dome. Accessto the windows is provided between two opposing sets of up-turned tabsin the cage. Contact between the sealed nut dome and the up-turned tabsprovides resistance to torque loads. Contact between the sealed nut domeand the cage window provides resistance to pushout loads.

The portion of the non-floating functional element that establishescompatibility with the retainer/cage is the base of the non-floatingfunctional element. If the non-floating functional element is a sealednut dome, the nut footprint can establish compatibility with theretainer cage. For non-floating functional elements, the nut footprintis defined by the geometry that closely matches the retainer/cagegeometries. Multiple contact points between the sealed nut dome and theretainer/cage to resist torque loads while two nut feet (e.g., elongatemembers) on opposing sides extend into the cage windows to resistpushout loads. The non-floating sealed nut dome may not experiencesignificant float, if any, within the retainer/cage.

In order to install the sealed nut dome into the retainer/cage assembly,the sealed nut dome can be positioned such that one of the protrudingnut feet is passed through one of the cage openings or windows as far aspossible. The extent to which the nut can be fitted into the cage windowis limited by contact between the nut footprint and the up-turned tabson the retainer. Once in this position, a load is applied to the sealednut dome (e.g., an axial load, rotational load, or both) in order toforce the opposing sealed nut dome feet into the opposing cage windows.The material of the cage that defines the windows flexes to allow thesealed nut dome foot to pass into the respective windows and rebound inorder to keep the sealed nut dome in place. The sealed nut dome can beremoved in a similar manner. A workable range and an exemplary dimensionfor the distance across the nut feet for each size are presented inTable 2 below. (The distance between the windows is the same aspresented in Table 1 for the floating nut.)

TABLE 2 Non-Floating Functional Element Components (Sealed Nut Dome)Distance Element Radial (±) Across the Type Float Nut Feet Sealed 0.0200.565-0.575 Nut Dome (0.570) 0.028 0.565-0.575 (0.570) 0.028 0.660-0.670(0.665) (All dimensions in inches - Exemplary dimensions in parentheses)

Various types of coatings can be applied to contact surfaces, includingthe contact surfaces between nut plate assemblies and the workpiece, tomitigate or avoid corrosion. Coatings can also be applied to contactsurfaces between components of the nut plate assemblies. The coatingsmay comprise, without limitation, one or more anti-corrosion materials,lubricants, sealants, combinations thereof, or the like. Components canalso be passivated to provide non-reactive surfaces.

The various embodiments described above can be combined to providefurther embodiments. All of the above U.S. patents, patent applicationsand publications referred to in this specification, as well as U.S. Pat.Nos. 3,566,662; 3,892,121; 4,187,708; 4,423,619; 4,425,780; 4,471,643;4,524,600; 4,557,033; 4,809,420; 4,885,829; 4,934,170; 5,083,363;5,096,349; 5,405,228; 5,245,743; 5,103,548; 5,127,254; 5,305,627;5,341,559; 5,380,136; 5,433,100; 6,183,180; 6,487,767; 6,990,722; and7,509,829; and U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 09/603,857; 10/726,809;10/619,226; 10/633,294, 10/928,641; 11/653,196; 11/445,951; 11/796,545;12/399,817; 61/082,098; and International Patent Application No.PCT/US2009/051065 are incorporated herein by reference. Aspects can bemodified, if necessary or desired, to employ devices, features, elements(e.g., housings, caps, nut elements, sealing assembly, fasteners,bushings, mandrels, and other types of expandable members), and conceptsof the various patents, applications, and publications to provide yetfurther embodiments. For example, the nut plate assemblies disclosedherein can be installed using the mandrels or other installation toolsdisclosed in the incorporated patents and applications.

From the foregoing it will be appreciated that, although specificembodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes ofillustration, various modifications may be made without deviating fromthe spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is notlimited except as by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An assembly installable in a hole of a workpiece,the assembly comprising: a cage configured and dimensioned to receiveand retain nuts having different configurations one at a time, the cageincluding a first flexible retention element including a first opening;a second flexible retention element including a second opening, thefirst flexible retention element and the second flexible retentionelement being spaced apart to receive a nut therebetween; and anabutment portion for lying against the workpiece, the abutment portiondefining a throughhole; a retainer including a mounting plate receivableby the cage; and an expandable member connected to the mounting plateand dimensioned to fit into the hole of the workpiece, the expandablemember configured to pass through the throughhole of the abutmentportion to move the mounting plate into the cage, the expandable memberbeing expandable to form an interference fit with the workpiece whilethe abutment portion is between the mounting plate and the workpiece;and wherein the assembly further comprises a protective cap configuredto surround the cage and the retainer when an end of the protective capis adjacent to the workpiece.
 2. The assembly of claim 1 wherein thecage is a non-metallic cage.
 3. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the cagecomprises mostly plastic by weight.
 4. The assembly of claim 1 whereinthe cage is a unitary molded non-metallic part.
 5. The assembly of claim1 wherein the cage is a stamped metal part.
 6. The assembly of claim 1wherein the first flexible retention element, the second flexibleretention element, and the abutment portion are connected together suchthat the first flexible retention element and the second flexibleretention element deflect away from one another to receive a nut whilethe expandable member is axially and rotationally fixed to theworkpiece.
 7. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the abutment portion isgeometrically congruent to a face of the mounting plate of the retainer,and the abutment portion contacts the workpiece when the expandablemember extends through the throughhole of the abutment portion andextends through the hole of the workpiece.
 8. The assembly of claim 1wherein the retainer is configured to nest between the first flexibleretention element and the second flexible retention element as a nut isheld by the cage.
 9. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the expandablemember has a first end coupled to the mounting plate, a second endopposing the first end, and a passageway extending between the first endand the second end, the passageway is enlarged proximate to the secondend.
 10. An assembly, comprising: a cage including a non-metallic nutretaining section and a non-metallic abutment portion connected to thenut retaining section, the abutment portion including a throughhole; anda retainer including a mounting section and an expandable tubularsection, the tubular section extending away from the mounting section,and the mounting section holding the cage against a workpiece when themounting section is received by the cage and the tubular section extendsaway from the cage and through both the throughhole of the abutmentportion and an opening in the workpiece, wherein the cage comprises afirst material with an ultimate strength less than about 20 percent ofan ultimate strength of a material of the tubular section.
 11. Theassembly of claim 10 wherein the cage comprises a polyamide-imidematerial.
 12. The assembly of claim 10, further comprising a nutretained by the nut retaining section of the cage, and wherein theabutment portion is configured to be positioned between the nut and theworkpiece when the assembly is installed.
 13. An installation,comprising: a workpiece including a first side, a second side, and anopening extending between the first side and the second side; and aretainer assembly including a cage including a first flexible retentionelement, a second flexible retention element, and an abutment portion,the first flexible retention element including a first opening, thesecond flexible retention element including a second opening, the firstflexible retention element and the second flexible retention elementbeing spaced apart to receive a nut, the abutment portion beingpositioned between the first flexible retention element and the secondflexible retention element and including a throughhole, a retainerincluding a mounting plate and a bushing, the mounting plate is receivedby the cage, the bushing being connected to the mounting plate andextending through the opening of the workpiece, the bushing having beenexpanded to couple the bushing to the workpiece, wherein the cage ismade of a material with an ultimate strength that is substantially lessthan an ultimate strength of a material of the retainer.
 14. Theinstallation of claim 13 wherein the cage and the retainer are made ofdifferent materials.
 15. The installation of claim 13 wherein theretainer comprises a material with an ultimate strength that is greaterthan both an ultimate strength of material of the cage and an ultimatestrength of material of the workpiece.
 16. The installation of claim 13wherein the bushing extends along an entire longitudinal length of theopening of the workpiece.
 17. The installation of claim 13 wherein alength of a portion of the bushing that forms an interference fit withthe workpiece and has an axial length of at least about 1.5 mm.
 18. Apackaged kit, comprising: a nut plate assembly including a cage and aretainer, the retainer including an expandable tubular sectionpositionable in an opening of a workpiece, the tubular section isconfigured to fixedly couple the cage to the workpiece; and a pluralityof nuts, at least two of the nuts have substantially differentconfigurations, each of the at least two nuts coupleable to the nutplate, wherein the plurality of nuts includes: a first nut including apair of substantially rectangular elongated members dimensioned to passthrough a pair of openings in the cage; and a second nut including apair of tapered elongated members dimensioned to pass through the pairof openings in the cage.
 19. The kit of claim 18 wherein the cage is aplastic cage.
 20. The kit of claim 18 wherein the cage and a first oneof the nuts provide a first amount of float of the first one of the nutswhen the first one of the nuts is installed in the cage, the cage and asecond one of the nuts provides a second amount of float of the secondone of the nuts when the second one of the nuts is installed in thecage, wherein the first amount of float is different from the secondamount of float.
 21. The kit of claim 20 wherein the first amount offloat is about 0.03 inch and the second amount of float is about 0.06inch.
 22. The kit of claim 18 wherein the cage and a first one of thenuts cooperate to provide a first amount of bolt clearance when thefirst one of the nuts is installed in the cage coupled to a workpiece,and the cage and a second one of the nuts cooperate to provide a secondamount of bolt clearance when the second one of the nuts is installed inthe cage coupled to the workpiece, wherein the first amount of boltclearance is different from the second amount of bolt clearance.
 23. Thekit of claim 22 wherein a ratio of the first amount of bolt clearance tothe second amount of bolt clearance is about
 2. 24. The kit of claim 18wherein at least one of the plurality of nuts is an open nut and atleast one of the plurality of nuts is a closed nut.
 25. The kit of claim18 wherein at least one of the nuts comprises a closed-ended plasticcap.
 26. The kit of claim 25 wherein the at least one nut furtherincludes a sealing member and a nut element, the closed-ended plasticcap is dimensioned to receive and surround the sealing member and thenut element to provide a fluid tight seal.
 27. The kit of claim 18wherein the nut plate assembly includes a protective cap dimensioned toreceive both the cage and the retainer.
 28. An installation, comprising:a workpiece including a first side, a second side, and an openingextending between the first side and the second side; and a retainerassembly including a cage including a first flexible retention element,a second flexible retention element, and an abutment portion, the firstflexible retention element including a first opening, the secondflexible retention element including a second opening, the firstflexible retention element and the second flexible retention elementbeing spaced apart to receive a nut, the abutment portion beingpositioned between the first flexible retention element and the secondflexible retention element and including a throughhole, a retainerincluding a mounting plate and a bushing, the mounting plate is receivedby the cage, the bushing being connected to the mounting plate andextending through the opening of the workpiece, the bushing having beenexpanded to couple the bushing to the workpiece, wherein the retainercomprises a material with an ultimate strength that is greater than bothan ultimate strength of material of the cage and an ultimate strength ofmaterial of the workpiece.
 29. The installation of claim 28 wherein thecage and the retainer are made of different materials.
 30. Theinstallation of claim 28 wherein the cage is made of a material with anultimate strength that is substantially less than an ultimate strengthof a material of the retainer.
 31. The installation of claim 28 whereinthe bushing extends along an entire longitudinal length of the openingof the workpiece.
 32. The installation of claim 28 wherein a length of aportion of the bushing that forms an interference fit with the workpieceand has an axial length of at least about 1.5 mm.
 33. An installation,comprising: a workpiece including a first side, a second side, and anopening extending between the first side and the second side; and aretainer assembly including a cage including a first flexible retentionelement, a second flexible retention element, and an abutment portion,the first flexible retention element including a first opening, thesecond flexible retention element including a second opening, the firstflexible retention element and the second flexible retention elementbeing spaced apart to receive a nut, the abutment portion beingpositioned between the first flexible retention element and the secondflexible retention element and including a throughhole, a retainerincluding a mounting plate and a bushing, the mounting plate is receivedby the cage, the bushing being connected to the mounting plate andextending through the opening of the workpiece, the bushing having beenexpanded to couple the bushing to the workpiece, wherein a length of aportion of the bushing that forms an interference fit with the workpieceand has an axial length of at least about 1.5 mm.
 34. The installationof claim 33 wherein the cage and the retainer are made of differentmaterials.
 35. The installation of claim 33 wherein the cage is made ofa material with an ultimate strength that is substantially less than anultimate strength of a material of the retainer.
 36. The installation ofclaim 33 wherein the retainer comprises a material with an ultimatestrength that is greater than both an ultimate strength of material ofthe cage and an ultimate strength of material of the workpiece.
 37. Theinstallation of claim 33 wherein the bushing extends along an entirelongitudinal length of the opening of the workpiece.
 38. A packaged kit,comprising: a nut plate assembly including a cage and a retainer, theretainer including an expandable tubular section positionable in anopening of a workpiece, the tubular section configured to fixedly couplethe cage to the workpiece; and a plurality of nuts, at least two of thenuts have substantially different configurations, each of the at leasttwo nuts coupleable to the nut plate, wherein the cage and a first oneof the nuts provide a first amount of float of the first one of the nutswhen the first one of the nuts is installed in the cage, the cage and asecond one of the nuts provides a second amount of float of the secondone of the nuts when the second one of the nuts is installed in thecage, wherein the first amount of float is different from the secondamount of float.
 39. The kit of claim 38 wherein the plurality of nutsincludes: a first nut including a pair of substantially rectangularelongated members dimensioned to pass through a pair of openings in thecage; and a second nut including a pair of tapered elongated membersdimensioned to pass through the pair of openings in the cage.
 40. Thekit of claim 38 wherein the cage is a plastic cage.
 41. The kit of claim38 wherein the first amount of float is about 0.03 inch and the secondamount of float is about 0.06 inch.
 42. The kit of claim 38 wherein thecage and a third one of the nuts cooperate to provide a first amount ofbolt clearance when the third one of the nuts is installed in the cagecoupled to a workpiece, and the cage and a fourth one of the nutscooperate to provide a second amount of bolt clearance when the fourthone of the nuts is installed in the cage coupled to the workpiece,wherein the first amount of bolt clearance is different from the secondamount of bolt clearance.
 43. The kit of claim 42 wherein a ratio of thefirst amount of bolt clearance to the second amount of bolt clearance isabout
 2. 44. The kit of claim 38 wherein at least one of the pluralityof nuts is an open nut and at least one of the plurality of nuts is aclosed nut.
 45. The kit of claim 38 wherein at least one of the nutscomprises a closed-ended plastic cap.
 46. The kit of claim 45 whereinthe at least one nut further includes a sealing member and a nutelement, the closed-ended plastic cap is dimensioned to receive andsurround the sealing member and the nut element to provide a fluid tightseal.
 47. The kit of claim 38 wherein the nut plate assembly includes aprotective cap dimensioned to receive both the cage and the retainer.48. A packaged kit, comprising: a nut plate assembly including a cageand a retainer, the retainer including an expandable tubular sectionpositionable in an opening of a workpiece, the tubular sectionconfigured to fixedly couple the cage to the workpiece; and a pluralityof nuts, at least two of the nuts have substantially differentconfigurations, each of the at least two nuts coupleable to the nutplate, wherein the cage and a first one of the nuts cooperate to providea first amount of bolt clearance when the first one of the nuts isinstalled in the cage coupled to a workpiece, and the cage and a secondone of the nuts cooperate to provide a second amount of bolt clearancewhen the second one of the nuts is installed in the cage coupled to theworkpiece, wherein the first amount of bolt clearance is different fromthe second amount of bolt clearance.
 49. The kit of claim 48 wherein theplurality of nuts includes: a first nut including a pair ofsubstantially rectangular elongated members dimensioned to pass througha pair of openings in the cage; and a second nut including a pair oftapered elongated members dimensioned to pass through the pair ofopenings in the cage.
 50. The kit of claim 48 wherein the cage is aplastic cage.
 51. The kit of claim 48 wherein the cage and a third oneof the nuts provide a first amount of float of the third one of the nutswhen the third one of the nuts is installed in the cage, the cage and afourth one of the nuts provides a second amount of float of the fourthone of the nuts when the fourth one of the nuts is installed in thecage, wherein the first amount of float is different from the secondamount of float.
 52. The kit of claim 51 wherein the first amount offloat is about 0.03 inch and the second amount of float is about 0.06inch.
 53. The kit of claim 48 wherein a ratio of the first amount ofbolt clearance to the second amount of bolt clearance is about
 2. 54.The kit of claim 48 wherein at least one of the plurality of nuts is anopen nut and at least one of the plurality of nuts is a closed nut. 55.The kit of claim 48 wherein at least one of the nuts comprises aclosed-ended plastic cap.
 56. The kit of claim 55 wherein the at leastone nut further includes a sealing member and a nut element, theclosed-ended plastic cap is dimensioned to receive and surround thesealing member and the nut element to provide a fluid tight seal. 57.The kit of claim 48 wherein the nut plate assembly includes a protectivecap dimensioned to receive both the cage and the retainer.
 58. Apackaged kit, comprising: a nut plate assembly including a cage and aretainer, the retainer including an expandable tubular sectionpositionable in an opening of a workpiece, the tubular sectionconfigured to fixedly couple the cage to the workpiece, wherein the nutplate assembly includes a protective cap dimensioned to receive both thecage and the retainer; and a plurality of nuts, at least two of the nutshave substantially different configurations, each of the at least twonuts coupleable to the nut plate.
 59. The kit of claim 58 wherein theplurality of nuts includes: a first nut including a pair ofsubstantially rectangular elongated members dimensioned to pass througha pair of openings in the cage; and a second nut including a pair oftapered elongated members dimensioned to pass through the pair ofopenings in the cage.
 60. The kit of claim 58 wherein the cage is aplastic cage.
 61. The kit of claim 58 wherein the cage and a first oneof the nuts provide a first amount of float of the first one of the nutswhen the first one of the nuts is installed in the cage, the cage and asecond one of the nuts provides a second amount of float of the secondone of the nuts when the second one of the nuts is installed in thecage, wherein the first amount of float is different from the secondamount of float.
 62. The kit of claim 61 wherein the first amount offloat is about 0.03 inch and the second amount of float is about 0.06inch.
 63. The kit of claim 58 wherein the cage and a first one of thenuts cooperate to provide a first amount of bolt clearance when thefirst one of the nuts is installed in the cage coupled to a workpiece,and the cage and a second one of the nuts cooperate to provide a secondamount of bolt clearance when the second one of the nuts is installed inthe cage coupled to the workpiece, wherein the first amount of boltclearance is different from the second amount of bolt clearance.
 64. Thekit of claim 63 wherein a ratio of the first amount of bolt clearance tothe second amount of bolt clearance is about
 2. 65. The kit of claim 58wherein at least one of the plurality of nuts is an open nut and atleast one of the plurality of nuts is a closed nut.
 66. The kit of claim58 wherein at least one of the nuts comprises a closed-ended plasticcap.
 67. The kit of claim 66 wherein the at least one nut furtherincludes a sealing member and a nut element, the closed-ended plasticcap is dimensioned to receive and surround the sealing member and thenut element to provide a fluid tight seal.